NASA Recruiter Tells Us What It Takes To Join The Next Generation Of Astronauts

We got the chance to listen in on a webinar where
NASA hiring guru Duane Ross
told astronaut hopefuls what the space program looks for in its
spacewalkers.

And according to Ross, while there's nothing wrong with having an
advanced degree, the space program is more interested in what you
did after you got your education.

"I'll always recommend that folks don't do anything at
all because of the astronaut program," Ross said, trying
to caution applicants away from going to school or being a
certified pilot just because they want to be an astronaut.

Throughout his time as in the selection office, he nabbed the gig
in 1978, Ross said he has seen successful candidates with an
undergraduate degree and successful candidates with a PhD.

The hiring committee, which often reviews thousands of
applications for every job posting, cares more about well-rounded
applicants than they do highly-educated ones.

"If you play the flute, that's of interest," he said. "Any of
that stuff is of interest."

And a person's operational experience, meaning any hands-on
practical experience, matters more than research experience, Ross
said, adding that NASA likes people who have worked in the
automotive industry, development field, or any other sector that
gets them in the field.

"It can literally be anything in the world."

So school might not matter, but kidney stones sure do.

A history of kidney stones is an immediate disqualifier
for any applicant, Ross said. But never fear, poor eye
sight can be fixed.

"Now we're down to anything that's correctable to 20/20," he said
about the department easing its eyesight requirements.

But don't let concerns about NASA's strict health policy get you
down. Interviewing for the space program is just like
interviewing for any other job.

"It's just a pretty laid back and casual interview as far as
we're concerned," Ross said. "Answer the question, Don't try to
tell people what you think they want to hear because it's so
obvious when you try to do that."

And, on the plus side, a suit isn't necessary. It's recommended,
but not required.